DISTRICT XVI SEJMIK

Las Vegas, Nevada - On August 29 & 30, 2009, PNA District XVI held its Sejmik in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Sejmik was hosted by PNA Lodge 3281 "Polonia Las Vegas", the newest lodge in District XVI that was formed last year with Roman Rozycki as President. PNA District XVI includes the following states: Washington, Oregon, Colorado, California, Nevada and Arizona and is the largest territory in the PNA, at 662,254 square miles. Lodges and Councils of District XVI were asked to send their Delegates to the two day Sejmik to share their input on sales, increasing membership, and fraternal activities.

The Sejmik was presided by Commissioners Ania Karwan and Greg Chilecki. Our special guest from the PNA Home Office was Executive Officer and Treasurer Marian Grabowski. Vice President Mieczyslaw Sutowski of Lodge 3281, Las Vegas, welcomed each of the delegates and guests from seven lodges and four councils of the district including Federal Way, Washington, Las Vegas, Nevada, Fresno, California, San Jose, California, Los Angeles, California, Orange County, California, and San Diego, California. Nominated as Secretary of the Sejmik was Kasia Akrami, of Lodge 700, Los Angeles. Also in attendance was the Director of Region "K", Anthony Nowak.-Przygodzki.

The Sejmik opened with the singing of the Polish Anthem and American Anthem followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was held for the deceased members and family. Commissioner Greg Chilecki and Ania Karwan addressed the delegates and guests and provided information about PNA, District XVI, insurance products, and a summary of their activities as Commissioners. Letters from PNA President Frank Spula to District XVI, and PNA National Secretary Charles A. Komosa to District XVI were presented. PNA Treasurer Marian Grabowski spoke about the PNA financial status and took questions from the Delegates. Lodge and Council Delegates and the Directors of Region K each were given an opportunity to speak about the their activities for the year. The Delegates then worked in committees for Membership, Resolutions, Sports-Youth, and Way and Means.

Special recognition was given to Elizabeth Rudzinski, the District XVI "Woman of the Year", and George Kielak, the District XVI "Man of the Year". An award was presented to Mrs. Rudzinski and to Mr. Kielak by PNA Treasurer Marian Grabowski on behalf of the PNA. Commissioners Ania Karwan and Greg Chilecki presented them with Award Certificates and gift cards on behalf of District XVI. Mr. Kielak is an outstanding Sales Representative in District XVI and Las Vegas PNA member who worked to increase membership and help form the new Las Vegas Lodge. Ms. Rudzinski is a President's Club Sales Representative and past Commissioner of District XVI from Los Angeles lodge, with many years of service in PNA, and worked to form the new Las Vegas lodge. PNA District XVI is proud of the accomplishments and successes of both Elizabeth Rudzinski and George Kielak.

After the Saturday session of the Sejmik, delegates and guests had the opportunity to attend the Cirque du Soleil "Le Reve" show and meet twelve Polish performing artists from the show. On Sunday, delegates and guests attended Mass together at the Mater Dei chapel of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church which included a memorial ceremony with the participation or Polish Veterans. The Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas was established on March 21, 1995, by his Holiness Pope John Paul II.

The Commissioners wish to thank everyone for making the District XVI Sejmik a success.

Submitted by:
Ania Karwan
Commissioner, District XVI

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Commissioners Greg Chilecki, Ania Karwan and Treasurer Marian Grabowski

Greg Chilecki, Ania Karwan, Elizabeth Rudzinski, George Kielak, Marian Grabowski

District XVI Delegates meet Polish Performers from Le Reve of Cirque Du Soleil